Upper limb robotic rehabilitation for chronic stroke survivors: a single-group preliminary study

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess whether robotic rehabilitation can improve upper limb function, activities of daily living performance, and kinematic performance of chronic stroke survivors. [Subjects and Methods] Participants were 21 chronic stroke survivors (19 men; 60.8 years; Mini-Mental State Examination score: 28; onset duration: 10.2 years). Training exercises were performed with a Whole Arm Manipulator and a 120-inch projective display to provide visual and auditory feedback. Once the training began, red and grey balls appeared on the projective display, and participants performed reaching movements, in the assist-as-needed mode, toward 6 directional targets in a 3-dimensional space. All participants received training for 40 minutes per day, thrice per week, for 6 weeks. Main outcome measures were upper limb function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test, and Box and Blocks Test scores), activities of daily living performance (Modified Barthel Index), and kinematic performance (movement velocity) in 6 directions. [Results] After 6 weeks, significant improvement was observed in upper limb function, activities of daily living performance, and kinematic performance. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated the positive effects of robotic rehabilitation on upper limb function, activities of daily living performance, and kinematic performance in chronic stroke survivors.